The Problems on Your Desk: A Research Study to Define and Describe Paramedic Practice in Canada

Abstract

Introduction:

Paramedicine is a rapidly evolving profession, growing from its initial role of providing emergency care and transportation of the sick and injured into a broad discipline providing a wide range of care in multiple practice settings, yet the field is relatively unexplored. Much of the research in the field centers on patient care, often from the perspective of emergency medicine. A growing body of literature describing the discipline itself is largely descriptive.

Aim:

This interactive presentation describes and contributes to an applied research project that will define and describe Canadian paramedic practice. The research will develop frameworks, common taxonomy and designs, and evidence to support development of a national Canadian Paramedic Information System.

Methods:

This two-year mixed methods study is gathering data from a literature review, stakeholder workshops, and key informant interviews. The project will develop “user cases” that explore the issues and challenges facing Canadian paramedic stakeholders and identify the information and data required to address those issues.

Results:

The presentation will present initial findings that describe core concepts, data/knowledge structures, and models that are foundational to understanding and informing current and emerging paramedic practice. It will explore this data in relation to operational needs of practitioners, operations, communities, and stakeholders to inform decision-making, guiding policy and direction, and advancing the profession. Lastly, it will develop explanatory principles, models, and relationships in a conceptual framework that describes paramedic practice.

Discussion:

The study will develop models and core data sets that guide research and support policy development at local and national levels, and inform operational and strategic decision-making. The presentation will provide an overview of the research and findings to date. Participants will engage in activities that explore the user-cases and selected findings, applying the results of the study through the lens of their own backgrounds and operational contexts.